Libyan Foreign Minister defects

LONDON: Libyan Foreign Minister Musa Kusa, one of the closest advisers to Muammar Gaddafi and former spy chief, flew to Britain on Wednesday and a close friend said he defected because of attacks by security forces on civilians Gaddafi.

The movement was "a blow" to al-Gaddafi, a British government source told Reuters.

Koussa is one of the most senior members of Qadhafi's inner circle to defect - a major setback for the Libyan leader who faces a revolt against his rule 41 years in the oil producing North African desert state, and air strikes in the West.

Kusa, who was involved in the negotiations that led to the release by the British government of the man convicted in the bombing of Lockerbie in 1988, resigned and the British government said it hoped more personalities senior would join him.

"He came here under his own will. He told us he resigned," a spokesman for the Foreign Office in a statement. "We are discussing this with him and will post further details in due course."

It has been reported to be briefed by intelligence officials and British Foreign Ministry.

"Koussa is one of the most prominent in the government of Gadhafi and his role was to represent the international regime - something that is more willing to do," the spokesman said.

"We encourage people around Qaddafi to abandon it and adopt a better future for Libya, which allows the political transition and genuine reform that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people," said the Foreign Office.